Following the shocking death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 at Utah Valley University, his longtime political rival, Dean Withers, took to social media with an unexpectedly emotional response that moved hundreds of thousands of viewers. Dean Withers, a 21-year-old progressive content creator, has built a massive following online for his outspoken critiques of conservative figures and policies.
Known for viral videos such as “Can One Woke Teen Survive 20 Trump Supporters?”, Withers quickly became one of the most visible Gen Z voices challenging conservative narratives online. Over the past two years, he frequently debated political personalities, including Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA.
Despite their differences, Withers’s reaction to Kirk’s death was not filled with criticism or political rhetoric—it was deeply personal and raw. During a livestream that drew over 250,000 live viewers, Withers broke down in tears while speaking about the tragedy.
“I’m sad, I’m distraught,” he told his audience. “I just cried in front of you all, and honestly, I’m not ashamed of it. Gun violence is always disgusting, vile, and abhorrent—no matter who the victim is.” He continued, “Some people in the comments are saying, ‘Maybe you should take a break.’ But I want you to see this. I want you to see how I feel right now. Not as a political commentator, but as a human being.”
Withers expressed genuine sympathy for Kirk’s family, friends, and followers. He paused during the livestream to offer a brief prayer and sent condolences to those who witnessed the shooting. “No one deserves to die like that,” he said. “Especially not in a public place, doing what they believe in.”
Although the two held opposing beliefs, Withers acknowledged that Kirk had played a major role in shaping his own path. “Our debates made me sharper. He challenged me. I didn’t agree with him, but I respected his conviction,” Withers said.
Public reaction to the livestream was overwhelmingly supportive. Many praised Withers for showing emotional maturity and humanity in a time of political division. “This is what empathy looks like,” one viewer commented. Others noted how rare it is to see rivals speak kindly about each other, especially after such a tragic event.
Charlie Kirk’s death has sparked new conversations about political violence, gun safety, and the toxic climate surrounding public figures on both sides. But for one night, at least, the divide was bridged by grief, reflection, and respect.
Following the shocking death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 at Utah Valley University, his longtime political rival, Dean Withers, took to social media with an unexpectedly emotional response that moved hundreds of thousands of viewers. Dean Withers, a 21-year-old progressive content creator, has built a massive following online for his outspoken critiques of conservative figures and policies.
Known for viral videos such as “Can One Woke Teen Survive 20 Trump Supporters?”, Withers quickly became one of the most visible Gen Z voices challenging conservative narratives online. Over the past two years, he frequently debated political personalities, including Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA.
Despite their differences, Withers’s reaction to Kirk’s death was not filled with criticism or political rhetoric—it was deeply personal and raw. During a livestream that drew over 250,000 live viewers, Withers broke down in tears while speaking about the tragedy.
“I’m sad, I’m distraught,” he told his audience. “I just cried in front of you all, and honestly, I’m not ashamed of it. Gun violence is always disgusting, vile, and abhorrent—no matter who the victim is.” He continued, “Some people in the comments are saying, ‘Maybe you should take a break.’ But I want you to see this. I want you to see how I feel right now. Not as a political commentator, but as a human being.”
Withers expressed genuine sympathy for Kirk’s family, friends, and followers. He paused during the livestream to offer a brief prayer and sent condolences to those who witnessed the shooting. “No one deserves to die like that,” he said. “Especially not in a public place, doing what they believe in.”
Although the two held opposing beliefs, Withers acknowledged that Kirk had played a major role in shaping his own path. “Our debates made me sharper. He challenged me. I didn’t agree with him, but I respected his conviction,” Withers said.
Public reaction to the livestream was overwhelmingly supportive. Many praised Withers for showing emotional maturity and humanity in a time of political division. “This is what empathy looks like,” one viewer commented. Others noted how rare it is to see rivals speak kindly about each other, especially after such a tragic event.
Charlie Kirk’s death has sparked new conversations about political violence, gun safety, and the toxic climate surrounding public figures on both sides. But for one night, at least, the divide was bridged by grief, reflection, and respect.